Mountain Lake Science Saturdays is a
lively new series of talks by scientists studying topics relating to
Mountain Lake and its ecological restoration. On the second Saturday of
every month, gather at the lake to hear researchers from a variety of
disciplines talk on topics ranging from Archaeology to Zooplankton.
Here’s your chance to ask the experts your questions about the science
behind saving this precious San Francisco natural wonder!

Reintroducing the Western Pond Turtle to Mountain Lake

Come out to Mountain Lake to learn
about the local reintroduction of the Pacific coast’s only native freshwater
turtle! The Western pond turtle is a threatened species with very little
natural habitat remaining, due to development and the growing dominance of
non-native turtles. We’ll hear about the benefits of reintroducing this species
from Sonoma State Professor Nick Geist, a local Western pond turtle expert, who
collected and cared for the pioneer population of turtles planned for release
very soon into Mountain Lake.

Nick Geist is a Professor of Biology at Sonoma State University.
His research focuses on the evolution of reproductive behavior of reptiles, and
current research includes the reproductive biology and conservation of the
western pond turtle. He is a collaborator on the North Bay Western Pond Turtle
Project with the Presidio Trust and the conservation departments of the San
Francisco and Oakland Zoos.

Talks are held at the outdoor classroom (north end of the lake), approximately a 15 minute walk from the parking lot at 14th Avenue and Wedemeyer Street (Free Parking). Follow the signs from there or join a guide leaving at 1:45 pm. Get Directions >>

Second Saturdays aren’t just Science Saturdays! Join
your neighbors at Mountain Lake every Second Saturday from 9 am to noon for Service
Saturdays. Volunteer and help restore Mountain Lake’s precious natural
resources. For more information, email Jason Lisenby at jlisenby@presidiotrust.gov.